Hermanus Holidays

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town , the seaside resort of Hermanus is a charming holiday destination – especially during whale season (June to November). In fact, Hermanus is the whale watching capital of the world and hosts the Hermanus Whale Festival every September, when thousands of visitors come to view southern right whales and enjoy a variety of entertainment. Throughout the summer, Hermanus beckons those who prefer a quieter beach life and its charming waterfront cafes, shops and art galleries offer a pleasant respite from the sun and the sea. Near to the town, in the Hemel en Aarde Valley, are excellent wine-tasting opportunities as well as game viewing in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve where you can also enjoy 60km of hiking trails.

Hermanus attractions and things to do

See whales and other marine life in the bay.
Enjoy pleasant walks along beautiful sandy beaches.
Go horse riding on Pearly Beach.
Dine at a variety of excellent restaurants.
Explore Klipgat Cave with its limestone windows offering superb sea views.
Go sea kayaking along Walker Bay.
Shop for produce at Hermanus Country Market.
Surf and sunbathe on Voelklip Beach.
Discover the town’s living museum, its Old Harbour to learn about Hermanus’ whaling history.
Take a walk along the breathtaking cliff path.
Enjoy sampling wine at a choice of estates nearby.
Take a day trip further afield, to Arniston, Bredasdorp, Greyton and Gansbaai.

Hermanus offers plenty of places to stay to suit every pocket, from luxury accommodation to simple B&Bs. With its varied attractions, choice of things to do and idyllic setting, Hermanus is a dream holiday destination, whether you’re travelling with family, friends or on a romantic beach getaway. Browse our packages, we've got many cheap package options, and book your Hermanus holiday package with Thompsons Holidays today.

Explore South Africa's other sleepy coastal towns with Thompsons Holidays. We've got Knysna holiday packages, Plettenberg Bay holiday packages, Jeffreys Bay holiday packages and Paternoster holiday packages.

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Hermanus for whale watching is from June to November.
Hermanus is a popular summer holiday destination with the high season falling over the December school break.
Hermanus is a lovely place to visit during autumn and spring. Winter brings with it a unique charm – and great holiday specials.

Getting there & getting around

You can fly into Cape Town and drive to Hermanus from there. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Cape Town: 2 hours, 5 minutes.
Hermanus is roughly a 90-minute drive from Cape Town via the N2 through Somerset West.
If you take the scenic route via Betty's Bay, the driving time will be longer (especially if you stop along the way to take in some sightseeing).
You can explore the main town centre on foot or by hiring the popular Hermanus Tuk Tuk service.
Hermanus is surrounded by sprawling neighbourhoods, and you will need a car to reach outlying areas.

What must I pack?

Hermanus is a beach holiday destination and offers laid-back seaside living.
During Spring (September until late October), pack light clothing with warm layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Good walking shoes are a must to explore the cliffs and caves.
Pack a hat, flip flops, sunscreen and mosquito repellent for the summer months.
During autumn and winter (between May and August) you'll need weatherproof jackets and warm clothing for the wet weather.

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?

Be water-wise. The Western Cape is a water-scarce region and visitors need to use water as sparingly as possible.
Support the local economy. Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans.
Avoid single-use plastic; instead, take fabric shopping bags with you.

Safety tips

Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
Don't walk alone at night or along the cliff path after dark.